Recently unemployed, with a daughter itching to complete a thru-hike, what's a dad to do? Get sponsors and yank her from school, of course!

BackpackingLight sponsored a father/daughter team on their PCT thru-hike in the summer of 2011. To get the full skinny on what a dynamic duo they are, read their first installment of adventure, Eleven Years Old on the PCT (this article), then their second, We're Going to Disneyland!, then their third, Sunshine in the Sierra Mountains.

Introduction

Balls and Sunshine, age 10, at the Canadian border.

A Note on My Trail Name

When I joined the Army, my plan was to fly under the radar in basic training and not be noticed by the drill sergeants. How hard can it be to blend in with 300 other men that are all 17 to 21 years old, shaved bald, and wearing the same camo clothes? Easy, right?

Wrong!

You see, my family is from Norway, so I was blessed with a last name that's impossible to pronounce in English. With some imagination and sadistic spite, one could pronounce it cojones, which means "balls" in Spanish. On my first day in training, my drill sergeant took one look at my name and shouted (the only way they ever spoke) "Cojones! COOO-JOOO-NES! Boy! Do you know what that means? It means 'balls!' Boy, you better have some balls if you want to make it through this!" From that point on, everyone only knew me as Balls.

The drill sergeants had me brew coffee in their office at all times, and whenever they wanted a cup, they would yell "Balls!" down the hall. All the other trainees would join in, echoing down the long concrete hallway. I had five seconds to be in the office in the parade rest position with a hot cup of coffee in my hand. It didn't matter if I was taking a shower or on the toilet: five seconds, that's all! I mentioned this story to some hikers, and they naturally insisted on "Balls" being my trail name.

Growing up in small town Midwestern America, I was no stranger to hiking, what with many years of my older brother dragging me along on his pointless wandering. He loved to simply take a compass bearing and walk into the woods or swamp on a game trail (which always disappeared). After hours of falling in the mud, being accosted by wood ticks, and lacerated by briers just for the sake of knowing what the terrain was like, he would look at his compass and walk right back to the road where we started.

I joined the Army straight out of high school, just before Desert Storm. Humping 100 pounds of land mines in an external frame pack and walking through stream beds up the side of South Korean mountains in the dark didn't help my affection for hiking.

While in South Korea, I sustained a major back injury (I was knocked off a tank, fell ten feet into rocks, and landed on my tail bone). Over the years, this injury worsened, leaving me unable to walk for days at a time. When I could walk, it was with a limp and a hunched back, but the only thing that relieved the chronic nerve pain in my back and legs was walking. I walked around our neighborhood before and after work to ease the pain and stiffness. In 2001, I finally agreed to undergo back surgery after realizing that I couldn't even hold my infant daughter, Reed, for any length of time. Sometime during this process, I decided that if I needed to walk all the time, I would at least get out of town and see some wilderness.

Beginning to Backpack

After surgery, I still have chronic pain and limited ability, and I can't sit more than 15 minutes at a time without muscle spasms. However, following my recovery, I was determined to start backpacking for the first time in my life. Of course, my back problems mandated I pack as lightly as possible. After one 30-mile trip on the Pacific Crest Trail, I was hooked on backpacking and the PCT forever, beginning my obsession with ultralight methods. I started with mainstream periodicals, equipment, and methods. It didn't take me long to grow out of these entry level tools, and I began to search the internet (once my greatest adversary, but now an ally!) for new ideas. I stumbled onto many UL manufacturers and Backpacking Light.

Each year my pack has become lighter and smaller. Last summer, I ditched my titanium alcohol stove for cold food: salami, hard cheese, and cold instant oatmeal. I even learned about pre-made bean and cheese burritos from gas stations. You just set the burrito at the top of your pack on a nice sunny afternoon, and by dinner, voila! You have a hot meal. Achieving a 7-pound base weight last summer was the culmination of eight years of trial and error, research, and mooching tips off every hiker I ran into.

Sharing the Gift

As a married man, one of my loftiest dreams was to have a son to share my love for the outdoors with, though my wife and I had two beautiful daughters. I grew up as a Boy Scout and later was a Boy Scout and Royal Rangers Leader for many years. Since I don’t do anything half-heartedly, I soon found myself investing more than 2,000 hours a year in these boy’s programs. It took me away from my family far too much. One day it hit me: I wasn't going to have a son, I was raising other peoples' kids, and I was neglecting my own daughters. I abruptly quit my leadership roles and began taking my family on adventures. The additional time allowed me to go on more challenging adventures and improve my own skills as well. I didn’t need a son to share this amazing gift - my daughters loved it as much as I did!

My relationship with the girls flourished once I started spending more time outdoors with them. Reed responded especially well to hiking and embraced everything I taught her. She began hiking ten-mile days at age six. At age seven, she climbed Broken Top with me, glissading the entire way down. At age eight, she climbed the South Sister, passing many adults with ease. By nine years old she easily hiked 15 miles a day. (Her younger sister, Annika, loves the outdoors, but isn't as fond of hiking. Perhaps she will be my touring kayak partner some day!) Reed always begs me to take the long way home (usually by asking to start out in the opposite direction of home), and it didn't take long to figure out that Reed would be my thru-hiking partner some day. I just didn’t think that “some day” would arrive so soon!

A Trail Name

Reed, who is now ten years old, joined me for 150 miles on the PCT last year. Her first section in northern California was full of trail angels doting over her, hot springs, and good old California sunshine. Her number one ambition on this hike was to get a trail name. Blue Butterfly said that the sun in Reed's hair and her cheery disposition reminded her of the sunshine. “Sunshine” it was! Her second ambition was to beat her mother's single day 17-mile distance record. On her first day, Sunshine hiked 19 miles and later, 21 miles. In September, we hiked 30 miles into Monument 78, at the Canadian border and back to pick up some thru hikers who could not enter Canada. We hiked 18 miles to base camp, slack packed to the border and back the next day (24 miles), then 18 miles back out to the car. It snowed and rained on us all three days! We were so wet and cold, I thought, “Surely this will turn her off to thru-hiking forever.” However, on the way home, all she talked about was when our next thru-hike would be. I agreed to seriously consider quitting work and completing a thru-hike with her in 2013.

As my back problems grew more aggravated through years of physical labor, it became apparent to me that I could not be an electrician for the rest of my working life. My well paying career was slipping away from me, with an employer unwilling to understand or accommodate my service-related disability. I tried for years to work my way into a less physically demanding job within the company, but was stymied at every turn. In December 2010, my 17 years of service and ambition ended in being laid off. Of course I was angry and felt betrayed, but I couldn’t show signs of failure to my family. I walked in the door, gave the girls big hugs and kisses, and said "I have good news. Sunshine, there is a 100% chance that we will be thru-hiking the PCT this year!”

Turns out, being laid off was the best thing that has ever happened to me! I quickly engaged in conversations with Reed's current school, teachers, and the middle school she will be attending next year. Everyone agreed that she is an excellent student and would actually learn more on the trail. Her fifth grade teacher will be mailing math pages to work on along the way, and made me promise to bring books for her to read. Reed will never have to say she had a 'distant father,' considering we won’t be more than 100 feet apart for the next five and a half months.

Figuring Out the Details

Bringing my 10-year-old daughter on this trip makes the balance between ultralight and safety more delicate than ever. I had to rethink my UL philosophy altogether. My wonderfully understanding (and beautiful) wife said, "Eric, you pushed your limits last year and put yourself into some dangerous situations. That can’t happen with Reed along.”

Needless to say, I won’t be night hiking - seriously, never remove your pack (containing everything you require to survive the night) in the dark, then walk off trail to hang your bear bag. I’m bringing back the stove - no skimping on food - and I’m carrying a two-person tent. However, that doesn't mean I need to join the traditional backpacking crowd with their 50-pound packs. It only means that I need to do more research and purchase our gear wisely. We also have several generous sponsors who have helped us achieve our safety and weight goals, and I plan to provide reviews on all our equipment as the journey progresses.

We plan to begin this amazing adventure April 29, 2011, at the Mexican border during the annual PCT kick-off event, and finish in early September. The record holder for the youngest PCT thru-hiker is a 10-year-old girl. Though Sunshine will be 11 when we complete our hike, we plan to finish almost two months earlier than the record holder, who also took some alternate routes and side roads instead of the established PCT. Sunshine and I are determined to stick to this year's official established PCT.

As trail angel Donna Saufley told me last year, "When life hands you a thru-hike, you have to take it." Instead of staying at home, getting fat and depressed because life took a crazy turn, we, as a family, want to embrace it and accept it for the blessing that it is. I have an opportunity to impact Sunshine’s life forever. I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world! She is driven, like myself, and hopes to be the youngest Triple Crowner (PCT, AT, CDT) by the age of 13. Keep following this amazing adventure, as I believe it is only the beginning of an even greater journey!

Sunshine, age 4. Left: Entering the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Right: Her first freeze dried ice cream. She still doesn't like it.

Sunshine, age 4. Left: On the way into Pamelia Lake, her first trip carrying all her own gear. Right: We got skunked fishing, so we gave up and swam instead. Notice the ultralight Elmo floatie!

Sunshine, age 6, on her first overnight snowshoe trip.

Sunshine, age 7. Left: Climbing Broken Top in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Right: At the top of Broken Top with Dad.

Sunshine, age 8. Summit of South Sister, with Broken Top in the background.

Sunshine, age 9. First 15-mile day. Notice the sign in the background? It's the same one from her 4-year-old trip photo (mounted to a different tree - possibly due to storm damage to the original tree).

Sunshine, age 9. Literally ON Shale Lake, with Mount Jefferson in the background.

Sunshine, age 10. Left: Drakesbad, California on her first 19-mile day. Pictured with Ed, Golden Child (with whom she's still in touch), and Jake Rabbit. Right: Hat Creek Rim, on the longest waterless stretch on the PCT. She hiked 21 miles that day on the Rim, and some thru-hikers actually skipped this section because of the heat.

Sunshine, age 10. At the Canadian border, in a brief reprieve from the rain.

Sunshine, age 10. Hiking back to the PCT after a visit to a trail angel.

Gear List

Sunshine's Interview

EG: Why do you want to thru-hike?

Sunshine: I really like walking and backpacking a lot. Our family has always walked together. It seems like a great opportunity to walk a lot and spend lots of time with you. All your trail stories sound like so much fun.

EG: Does it seem scary or dangerous?

Sunshine: Some parts I think will be scary, like cold weather, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and mountain lions that could hurt me. But I'm pretty sure that nothing will happen because I've got you along. I know you won't let anything happen to me.

Annika:(Sunshine's sister, listening in while eating applesauce) I have a question.

EG: Yes, Annika?

Annika: Can I have more applesauce?

EG: Yes, Annika. (to Sunshine) When did you first want to thru-hike the PCT?

Sunshine: I've known ever since you started hiking it, because your really cool stories and pictures. Every time we hike together, I have so much fun. I chose the PCT first because our family has always hiked it or gone to PCT events and when we aren't, you're planning the next trip. Each time we dropped you off for a trip, it seemed more and more exciting.

Annika:(while eating her applesauce) Sunshine, are you interested in bringing us back souvenirs?

Sunshine: Yes, I'll bring lots of shiny rocks home.

EG: Will you miss home and day-to-day life? If so, why, and what will you miss the most?

Sunshine: Yes, I'm not going to see my friends and family for a long time, but we can email everyone when we get to a town. I will miss Mom, Annika, the cat, my violin, my Webkinz, and my comfortable bed, that I love so much.

EG: What are you looking forward to the most?

Sunshine: Spending time with you and walking all the time. The greatest feeling will be reaching my goal of walking from Mexico to Canada. I also really want to see the wildlife preserve by the trail in California. I just don't want to camp by it. That would be scary!

Annika:(all done eating) Sunshine, are you interested in hiking in the really hot desert?

Sunshine: Yes, it sounds adventurous.

EG: Go to bed Annika. I love you. Good night.

Annika: Ok, love you too. Dad, can I have more -

EG: No, good night. (to Sunshine) Do you think it will be a challenge?

Sunshine: Yes, but I like challenges. Things that are easy are too boring.

EG: It's almost time for our trip. What are you doing to prepare besides training with me after school?

Sunshine: I walk 10 to 12 laps around the track at school during lunch recess every day with my friend Riely. We've done over 75 miles together at school. I can't wait for our trip!

A note from Addie: I've been working closely with Eric and Reed/Balls and Sunshine, as Backpacking Light is one of their major sponsors this summer. Check back for periodic updates here, as well as on their trail journal and Sunshine's trail journal. One of the highlights of my spring was getting their thank you note for the BPL-supplied gear:

The best thank you note ever? I THINK SO.

Citation

"Eleven Years Old on the PCT," by Eric Gjonnes. BackpackingLight.com (ISSN 1537-0364).http://backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/father_daughter_pct.html, 2011-04-12 00:05:00-06.

small world Eric ;we (my son & me)left the kickoff right behind you last year and hiked the rest of the afternoon with you .If I remember Right you were on a fast track to try and make it to Ontario to fly home for your daughters birthday ,guess you made it .and for a kicker I hiked in the same day group with "GOLDEN CHILD" from snow creek to hwy 18 big bear she was w/"SLIM JIM" & "MANGO" ,my son who you named "MAGNUM" had to go home @ Idllwild with a bad cold so I went on to big bear alone except for "Golden child" and her group.just for a real kick we ran into you again near Dicks PASS (echo lake ) you heading north me & magnum heading south ,it was the end of August. we obviously didn't finish but wasn't planning to its a 2-3 year plan for us,if its the lords will I did see that you pulled it off as I spotted your name on the 2010 2600 miler list . Congrats man ,what a small world it some times can get.....Jerry & "magnum"

Balls, I don't think I ever met Sunshine, but I remember her register entry at the Hat Creek Rim water cache was one of my favorite things on the entire trail last summer. Congratulations on your upcoming adventure. I have no doubt that it will be fantastic!-Guthook

I don't even know where to start. First of all, thank you so much for your service and sacrifice. What a beautiful story and such an amazing way to embrace an opportunity! I wish you guys the very best! And, by the way, I'm sure there will be plenty of people that will be eagerly waiting to read the book you guys will write (no pressure, though). Electrician > author. :)